I'm going to be refinishing a set of wheels on my truck that came from the factory clearcoated over a machined metal, giving it the polished look. The clear has begun to peel and the metal underneath is oxidizing. I plan to strip the factory clear with paint stripper, but I will have to sand the oxidized areas.

What I'm trying to find out is: what is the highest grit I can go with that clear will still stick to, but still be appear polished? I'll be using a urethane clear w/ hardener, sprayed out of a gun, no rattle can stuff!

If anyone has done this before, I'm open to tips!

 

id personly go for around 800

 

i think i would go for at least 1k i would think 800 would take awy the polished look

 

I've aircraft stripped my rims b4 (aluminum) and it came out clean and shined even better. I didn't even have to clear it at all after that, just used aluminum polish to clean them out every now and then..

 

Yeah, I'd like to clear it though...they oxidized in a few spots WITH clearcoat, so I'd rather just be able to wipe them clean.

I was thinking 800-1000 as well, I guess I try on the back of the wheel and see what looks best, thanks guys.

 

i just did this i went all the way to 2000 grit and had no adhesion problems with the clear... here's a pic

 

How long have you been using them after doing it?

 

Haven't "used" them yet my build is still in progress... But I have four good coats of clear so I have no doubts that the finish will last

 

Alright, thanks...honestly 2000 seems to me like you may have adhesion problems, but I hope it lasts for you!

 

I'd try 1k but you have to experiment a little.